​There are three very basic “elements” that form the “cohesion” for any Interior Design project:  The Client’s Vision; The Design’s Integrity and The End-User’s Satisfaction.
 
When a prospective client makes their decision to materialize an Interior design project Vision, they begin a process with very specifically delineated disciplines.  Their very first challenge is that of refining that Vision clearly enough to be able to translate it and communicate it accurately to an Interior design professional.  
 
Some prospective clients have very, very specific ideas (and their details) in mind, and may have been considering their prospective project for some time.  Others, not so specific, have a “vision,” but it is often a bit vague, is comprised of fragments from various sources and will depend heavily on an expert who can pull those fragments together!  Still others may have had previous experiences with previous projects and want to modify or completely revise what already exists.

Whatever the circumstances, or the scope of your Interior Design project, managing the costs factor is mandatory, challenging and a mutual responsibility!
 
At the front end of your relationship with your Interior designer, the project is discussed, defined, and conceptualized.  You, the Client, convey your ideas, your wishes and preferences, i.e., your vision, to the Interior design expert.   Whether your Interior design project is a small bath and kitchen remodel, or a full Interior environment (business, professional or residential), it will involve a host of “aspects” and an amazing number of “details.”  Each of those factors will be made up of many, many choices and decisions.  And each of those factors, plus your Interior Design team’s time, will represent expenditures.  Easy to speculate; but demanding of careful consideration of overall costs!
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Bringing actual, living elements into Interior Design strategies can transform an Interior environment in ways that create unique impressions on those living in or visiting such environments.
 
There are no limitations on the ways your Interior design team can incorporate “life” factors into an Interior design plan.   The elements that come most readily to mind are the more obvious and quite popular:  aquariums and live plants!  
 
In areas such as medical/dental waiting rooms, aquariums provide a special way to fascinate and relax nervous patients.  Particularly in Pediatric facilities, children enjoy watching the antics of fish and may soon forget any anxiety about the dentist chair!   In residences or offices the beauty of exotic aquariums has long been a favorite element.  Seafood restaurants sometimes present tanks where you can even select your future dinner from swimming possibilities!  
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It’s an art.  Some say a skill; some, a talent.   Nevertheless, your Interior designer or team needs to be able to show you when less is more and when enough is enough in Interior design decision-making!  Nothing can splash cold water on a hot Interior design concept faster than not knowing that critical point where going further can be a spoiler.
 
In a past article, “When Enough Is Enough And Less Is More!” I discussed critical points concerning the quantification factor when making choices for an Interior design.  We considered “how much” and “how many” of a good thing was appropriate for a given situation, location and environment.  We looked at all factors such as the over-use of a favorite color or accessory components.  For instance, a very small area can be made into a cozy, inviting place; however, taken too far, it can become just a crowded, uninviting area.  Quantity matters!

​There are very high function Interior areas, and less critical function Interior areas in all Interior environments – business or residential.   Contemporary Interior Design has radically transformed the ugly ducklings of “ho-hum” treatment in high function areas such as bathrooms and kitchens!
 
I recall with humor some of the tiny toilet closets found in older Victorian era homes that required courage and ingenuity should one choose to use one!   Both kitchens and bathrooms historically favored function over beauty, plain and simple.  Fortunately, that phenomenon has been addressed and challenged by contemporary Interior designers!
 
And, why not?   There is no denying that quite a large amount of time in anyone’s life is spent in bathrooms and kitchens!  Acknowledging the importance of efficient and practical function, but insisting such be produced and delivered beautifully, is a changed (and welcome) paradigm.